Pallas, Torbay 2d. June 1778
Sir
His Majesty’s Ship under my Command,1 the Lioness2 and Convoy3 being detained here by Westerly and SWy. Winds, I enclose for their Lordships a State of both Ships.4
I am to desire you will be pleased to acquaint their Lordships that a Fisherman of this place informed me on Sunday5 after Post, that he had been spoken to on Friday the 20th. ulto by an American Cutter Privateer of Ten Guns, about four Leagues to the Westward of the Berry head,6 that he afterwards saw the Privateer’s boat board a Brig and stand to the Southward with her in Company with the Privateer; the Privateer asked the Fisherman of the strength and number of this Convoy. I am Sir, [&c.]
R King
L, UkLPR, Adm. 1/2304, section 5. Addressed below close: “Philip Stephens Esqr., Secretary of the Admiralty.” Docketed in left margin: “Read.”
1. H.M. frigate Pallas.
2. British Navy Armed storeship Lioness.
3. A convoy from the Baltic.
4. That is, Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. The “State of both Ships” has not been found.
5. That is, 31 May.
6. Berry Head is near Torbay in Devon, England.
